RTD continues to make progress on rail repairs along the E, H and R lines with the lifting of additional speed restrictions
RTD has removed all southbound speed restrictions between Orchard and Arapahoe at Village Center stations on the E and R lines. The agency’s overnight preventative maintenance and track repair efforts continue to make progress along the Southeast Corridor. Speed restrictions have also been removed from a small section of track just north of Nine Mile Station on the H and R lines.
To date, approximately half of the 10 mile-per-hour speed restrictions initially issued by RTD have been removed. The remaining restrictions will continue to be lifted as track repair work is completed. The speed restrictions are currently causing nominal to moderate end-to-end trip delays for customers, and the impact to specific train schedules is dependent on the length of the slow zone.
The agency’s speed restrictions webpage has been updated with new information, weekly notices to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), maps, and maintenance schedules. All information is available at www.rtd-denver.com/light-rail-speed-restrictions.
In May 2024, RTD began a more robust inspection process of its light rail system to identify preventive maintenance issues that may need to be addressed. As areas along the rail alignment were identified for maintenance, and depending on the issue, RTD implemented speed restrictions until crews are able to complete necessary repair work. More information about RTD’s enhanced light rail inspection process is available at www.rtd-denver.com/light-rail-inspections.
RTD appreciates customers’ patience during the temporary impact to light rail services. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow for extra time to reach their destinations. To assist customers impacted by the speed restrictions, RTD provides the following resources and support options:
- Service Alerts – text, email, and online notices that provide real-time information on delays, detours, disruptions, cancellations, and the resumption of service
- Impact Team – RTD is dispatching employee ambassadors to various rail stations and bus stops to assist customers with trip planning and to provide information about disruptions and maintenance
- Customer Care – customers are encouraged to call Customer Care at 303.299.6000 for help planning trips, making connections, or navigating service disruptions
- Next Ride App – customers can use RTD’s Next Ride app to plan trips and learn about disruptions
- Social Media –RTD’s digital team is available via social media to provide customized help and assistance
RTD is committed to maintaining and providing operationally safe and reliable transit services for all customers and employees. The agency always adheres to the highest level of safety standards, even when it may result in an impact to scheduled services and on-time performance. Agency decisions are based on applying the highest level of standards to prioritize safe operations. The light rail system remains safe for RTD to continue running trains.